Kubica to test for Renault to judge if F1 return is possible

Renault has confirmed that Robert Kubica will once again have another test for the team in order to gauge whether the Polish driver will be ready to make a full-time return to Formula 1. 

Kubica used to drive for Renault in 2010 alongside Russia's Vitaly Petrov, and was scheduled to drive for the team in 2011. A severe rally crash before the start of the 2011 Season however, ended his F1 dreams, with his arm being partially amputed in the accident, meaning that he has limited movement in his right hand which would make driving a grand prix car very difficult. 

Kubica was behind the wheel of an F1 car for the first time in six years last month where he tested a Renault-branded Lotus E20 of the 2012 Season, completing 115 laps around the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, Spain. It has now been announced that Kubica will have another test for Renault, this time at the Circuit Paul Ricard - the venue for next season's French Grand Prix. 

"Whilst the first day of testing at Valencia was no more than to let Robert get reacquainted with the feel of driving again, this second test will be to assess his capabilities to return to the highest level of competition," said Renault's managing director, Cyril Abietboul.

“This is a new phase in his personal and professional journey and we are proud to support him in the form of lending our infrastructure at Paul Ricard that is suitable for professional and non-professional drivers," he added. "There are still many hurdles for him to overcome, and he knows better than anyone else that only his performance will determine if he can one day return to being a professional driver.”

Chris Soulsby